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Most of us dream about a holiday of a lifetime. For some, this might mean switching off in a tropical paradise, while others might prefer to spend time connecting with different foods, cultures, and history.
The good news is that because our world is incredibly diverse, whatever your dream holiday looks like, there’ll be the perfect place for you.
With this in mind, we’ve partnered with one of the world’s fastest-growing travel companies, Luxury Escapes, to bring you 10 great destinations for a holiday of a lifetime. Luxury Escapes delivers getaways – handpicked by experts – to some of the most beautiful and varied places on Earth.
1. Bali, Indonesia
Packed with emerald green jungles, crystal clear waters, mesmerising temples, and famous rice terraces, the tropical island of Bali is known around the world for its beauty, laidback way of life, and idyllic charm. Whether you’re keen to explore a rich culture, enjoy delicious food, kick back on white sandy beaches, or admire gushing waterfalls, Bali has it all.
Towns like Seminyak, Uluwatu, Sanur, and Ubud are popular destinations; and here you’ll find countless waterfalls, yoga retreats, surf spots, beautiful wildlife, and some of Bali’s most striking rice terraces. For somewhere further off the beaten track, consider areas like Munduk, Lovina, and Amed – where strips of rustic coastal villages sit at the foot of Mount Agung, Bali’s largest volcano.
2. The Maldives
A collection of over 1,000 palm-fringed, sandy islands surrounded by azure blue waters, the Maldives is truly a paradise. As the lowest-lying country on Earth, the Maldives straddles the equator; offering all the sun, sea, sand, and wildlife you could wish for. The sunsets here are otherworldly and the beauty of the beaches has to be seen to be believed.
With around 2,500 coral reefs and water clear as glass, the Maldives is a world-class destination for diving and snorkelling. Though, if you’d prefer to stay dry, a laidback boat trip might appeal more. You can also indulge in mouthwatering Maldivian cuisine – much of which is centred around the island’s limited produce. Expect tantalising curries, plenty of fresh fish, and tasty desserts like cassava coconut cake.
3. Thailand
As Southeast Asia’s most popular holiday destination, Thailand is well-loved for its pristine white sand beaches, fantastic weather, and world-class food. With two dramatically long coastlines and over 1,400 tropical islands to explore – whether you’re after gourmet travel, a glamorous city break or relaxing beach getaway, or a cultural adventure, you’ll find it in Thailand.
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations – boasting the perfect balance between beautiful coves, bustling markets, and fun activities. The diving and snorkelling are excellent here, and the surrounding islands and reefs make it a stunning destination for a laidback boat trip. And when it comes to choosing what to eat, top picks include Massaman curry, and of course, Pad Thai.
4. Dubai
Dubai is a city like no other. Its futuristic skyline is headed by tremendous skyscrapers, and purpose-built islands are filled with glamorous hotels and seven-figure yachts. It’s a city of records, with the world’s tallest building, largest shopping mall, and largest choreographed fountain. However, contrary to popular opinion, Dubai isn’t all about malls and swanky hotels.
Browse traditional Middle Eastern spice mixes at Dubai’s spice market, feel like a kid again as you ride roller coasters in Global Village, or stand in awe at the Jumeirah Mosque, which, crafted from white stone in medieval Fatimid style, is easily the most beautiful in the Arab Emirates. If you’re looking for a luxurious city break of a lifetime, Dubai could be the place for you.
5. Greece
If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable European holiday, Greece won’t disappoint. With islands scattered between the Ionian and Aegean seas, Greece is filled with turquoise waters, sunny weather, buzzing resort towns, and fantastic cuisine. Plus, as the home of democracy, myth, and legend, it’s packed with ancient ruins, so if you’re into history, you won’t run out of things to do.
On picture-perfect islands like Santorini and Mykonos, bright boats bob in the water, whitewashed houses contrast with the rolling blue ocean, and quaint souvlaki restaurants line cobbled streets. The mainland can be just as beautiful too – with destinations like Parga, Halkidiki, and Thessaloniki becoming particularly popular in recent years.
6. United States of America
From bucket list sites like the Grand Canyon and Golden Gate Bridge to its rich and fascinating colonial history, North America is incredibly varied. Whether you’re after sun or snow, the USA has it all, from the sun-soaked beaches of California to the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Everything also feels much bigger here – including the portions!
Discover some of the USA’s breathtaking natural scenery in Yosemite National Park on the West Coast, or explore the bright lights and sightseeing wonders of big cities like Las Vegas, New York City, and Washington D.C. There are also plenty of family-friendly resorts in Florida – or, if you’re an Elvis fan, why not head to the Deep South, where you’ll find the singer’s famous Graceland home?
7. Singapore
From its beautiful marina to its extensive shopping malls and striking infrastructure, there are many reasons why so many of us dream of visiting Singapore. Singapore is big on sustainability and, as a result, is home to several instantly recognisable sites. This includes the towering Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay and the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens.
But it’s not just magnificent architecture, skyscrapers, and skylines that you’ll find here; modern Singapore has plenty of natural landmarks too. Look out for various birds, butterflies, and dragonflies in the Kranji Marshes, or visit Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which is renowned for having one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the world.
8. Mexico
Bordering the USA in the north and Belize and Guatemala in the south, the two million square kilometres of Mexico pack in everything from tropical jungles and Mayan ruins to palm-fringed beaches and bustling cities. Whatever your take on a holiday of a lifetime, its varied offerings, beautiful scenery, and diverse wildlife mean Mexico has something for everyone.
The popular southeastern city of Cancun is famous for its party vibes, while Mexico’s Pacific Coast – where gorgeous hotels border lush green countryside – offers a unique sense of seclusion for a more laidback escape. Adventure seekers might be drawn to the Riviera Maya, where eco-parks are filled with jungle trails and spectacular wildlife. And history buffs won’t want to miss the Yucatan Peninsula – once the centre of the Mayan world.
9. Sri Lanka
Whether you’re searching for nature, beaches, or a cultural experience, Sri Lanka is unmissable. With over 120 mammal species, 171 reptile species, and 227 bird species, Sri Lanka is a wildlife-lover’s dream. Head to Yala National Park to see elephants, sloths, and langur monkeys up close, or take a boat trip for potential sightings of turtles and blue whales.
If you’d like to cover a large stretch of Sri Lankan land, why not hop on the famous railway journey from Kandy to Ella? Journeying through beautiful scenery and local villages, this railway route is fantastic for exploring Sri Lanka. When you’re ready to wind down, head to the soft sands and coconut palms of popular beaches like Dalawella, Wijaya, and Unawatuna.
10. United Kingdom
Having a holiday of a lifetime doesn’t have to mean travelling thousands of miles across the world. If you fancy staying a bit closer to home, why not consider planning a UK break? From the breathtaking beauty of the Cornish coast to the heather-covered moors of Yorkshire and the castle-covered land of Wales, the UK is incredibly varied.
You could plan a hiking trip through one of the UK’s breathtaking national parks like Snowdonia, the Cairngorms, the Lake District, and the Norfolk Broads, before ending with a hearty meal in a cosy pub. Or, if you prefer a cosmopolitan break, why not become a tourist in one of the UK’s best cities, such as London, Manchester, Belfast, or Edinburgh?
Final thoughts…
Whether you fancy jetting off to a tropical island, immersing yourself in a different culture, or appreciating the beautiful landscapes that sit right on our doorstep, your holiday of a lifetime is waiting for you.
You can browse more holidays with Luxury Escapes using the button below.
Or, for further reading, head over to the travel section of our website.
Where would you love to travel most? Which of the destinations on our list spark your interest? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.